P113 DIET INTAKE IN PATIENTS ON THE WAITING LIST TO UNDERGO LIVER TRANSPLANTATION

Abstract

Rationale: Low diet intake is considered the primary etiology for malnutrition in patients with end stage liver disease. The aim of our study was to assess diet intake and nutritional habits of patients on the waiting list for liver transplantation at our Institution. Methods: Between 2006 and 2007, patients were assessed by using the 24 hour recall instrument. Daily requirements were based on 35 kcal/kg for energy and 1.2 g/kg for protein. Usual weight was considered for those patients within a normal body mass index (BMI) and without edema or ascites. For those with edema, ascites or a BMI > 25 kg/m2 the calculations were based on the average BMI of 21.7 kg/m2. The software Diet Pro4 was used to calculate diet intake. Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) was held. Chi-square test was performed. Results: 159 patients were assessed, 71.1% male. Physical examination showed that 75.5% had edema and/or ascites. 71.7% of the patients reported that they had previously been oriented on nutritional issues. The estimated average energy and protein requirements were respectively 2143.8 kcal and 73.6 g. 82.1% and 73.1% of the patients didn’t cover their requirements for energy and protein, respectively. Inadequate food intake was associated with gender, severity of cirrhosis, presence of ascites and/or edema, episodes of encephalopathy, use of 3 or more medications, lower levels of physical activity (p < 0.05). Overall malnutrition was 74.7%. Both energy and protein inadequacy were associated with malnutrition (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Nutritional requirements are not reeached by most patients on the waiting list for liver transplant due to several risk factors.